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Byzantine Mosaics

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Byzantine Mosaics
Byzantine architecture is the architecture of the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Later Roman or Eastern Roman Empire. Early Byzantine architecture was used as a way of reminiscing on Roman architecture. Some advancements were the increased geometric complexity, mosaics, addition of brick and plaster, complex domes, and windows that filtered light through thin sheets of alabaster. Byzantine architecture became characteristic by the 6th century with the building of Hagia Sophia, which was the first masterpiece and most famous building of the time period. One key element in the Hagia Sophia was the use of mosaics, which then led to mosaics becoming a key design element in the Byzantine era. The Byzantine Empire inherited …show more content…
Christian theme became a central topic in mosaic art. The main element of Byzantine mosaics in churches was the use of a golden background, which caused a reflection of light creating a sense of movement throughout the picture. In the Hagia Sophia, the floors are covered with marble mosaic and the walls glimmered with glass mosaics. An example of a mosaic in Hagia Sophia was one of vines and pomegranates, which was a symbol for life after death. In the Ravenna, there is a famous mosaic of the great emperor, Justinian, wearing rich robes, a symbol of majesty, surrounded by his attendants. On the opposing wall lies a picture of his wife, Empress Theodora, with her ladies-in-waiting. Behind the altar of the church is a mosaic of Christ surrounded by angels and members of his court in heaven just as Justinian and Theodora are surrounded by a court on Earth. Mosaics began taking a humanization approach of how they depict people. Mosaics of the Virgin Mary changed from being royal and majestic to having realistic, human emotion. Mary was depicted as interacting with Jesus, cuddling him and portraying a strong emotional passion, something that was rarely portrayed in previous

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